About us.
Who We Are
Friends of Dorchester County Parks is a volunteer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to improving quality of life in our communities through supporting countywide park and recreation initiatives. We believe our county parks system is a tangible reflection of our quality of life.
Our Mission is to improve the quality of life in our community by supporting county wide efforts to enhance diverse public park and recreation opportunities.
Friends of Dorchester County Parks supports the goals and objectives of our partner, Dorchester County Parks and Recreation Department.
What We Do
The Friends group seeks to support county park development and enhancement efforts through fundraising, advocacy, and facilitating volunteer service projects. We hold fundraising events, seek corporate and private gifts, and work to match enthusiastic volunteers with meaningful projects that enhance recreation opportunities throughout Dorchester County. If you share our vision for a robust, connected park system in Dorchester County, show your support through becoming a Park Friend today!
Board of Directors
Richard Mallett - Treasurer
Richard was born and raised in the Northeastern United States. Growing up in the Catskills of New York and spending long summers with his family in Maine have made the outdoors a keystone of his life. He now lives in Dorchester County with his wife, Whitney. They have a great passion for the outdoors and travel. He is excited to be a member of Friends of Dorchester County Parks and helping better his community.
Erica Malachowski - Chair
Born and raised in New Jersey, Erica moved to the town of Summerville in 2008. She is married and has two children. She attended Widener University where she received a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology. She went on to attend Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences in Moline, IL, where she received her Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing. She has been employed as a registered nurse with Roper St. Francis since 2008.
Erica is an avid runner, swimmer, and enjoys the sport of triathlon. She and her family are members of New Day Community Church. During her free time you can find Erica taking an easy paddle down the Ashley River on her kayak, camping, and spending quality time with her family and friends. Erica has a heart for community, building relationships, and encouraging families to make memories in the great outdoors
Crystal Ana Aponte - Vice Chair
Pam Zanowski
Pam was raised in the Boston area, spending summers in the municipal playground program where she later started her career in the recreation field as a playground leader. After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Management, she continued to gain valuable experience in recreation programming in the Boston area.
Leaving the cold behind over 20 years ago, Pam and her husband Steve settled in Summerville where Pam has served in various capacities with Charleston County Parks and Recreation, City of Charleston Recreation Department, Bethany United Methodist Church Recreation Ministries (Director), Summerville Family YMCA, and most recently volunteering with Friends of DCP. Pam is the Facility Manager for the Rollins Edwards Community Center for the Town of Summerville. Pam is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional, is passionate about offering affordable recreation opportunities for everyone, and is excited about the future of Dorchester County Parks and Recreation. Pam and husband Steve have two children, Zach and Kaitlyn. She enjoys playing golf, reading, pickleball, traveling, the beach and spending time with her family.
Mike Montei
Mike traveled the world as a military brat, graduating from high school in Seoul, Korea and four years later from The Citadel with a BS in Business Administration in 1987, where he met his wife Jane. He is the Business Development Manager for Wells Fargo Dealer Services in Charleston. Jane retired after nearly 30 years as an educator and they have called Summerville home since 1988. Mike and Jane are all about their family, which includes daughters Sarah and Allison, Allison's husband Matt, and their daughter (and slightly spoiled granddaughter) Emma Grace. Mike serves as a board member for Dorchester Habitat for Humanity, the Dorchester County Parks and Recreation Commission, and in 2009 with the help of the Ashley Ridge High School National Honor Society created Rosebrock Park.
Joseph Debney
Growing up on a large farm in the Pee Dee, Joe came to understand the need for conservation and recreational opportunities at an early age. Joe moved to the Lowcountry to attend Charleston Southern University and met his wife Jana. Joe holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Charleston Southern University. He is also the CEO of the Summerville Family YMCA.